I was 41 years old when I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in late November 2017. My story unfortunately, is a common one. I was full of energy, I felt no pain nor fatigue and my family had no history of cancer. I discovered the lump in my left breast by chance, one evening. I was lying in bed in the teacher’s dorm in Xinjiang, China, I could not sleep and decided to do a breast self examination and found a lump in my left breast.

A biopsy confirmed it was cancer. I was inconsolable. After crying myself to sleep for a month, with the support of my family, my doctors and the breast care nurses, I realised breast cancer was not a death sentence. I found the lump early and there were treatment options. For the next 12-18 months, I did a lumpectomy and underwent full chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimes. Everything you hear about chemotherapy being an extremely sucky experience is real. In 2023, I crossed the “5-year cancer free” milestone.

Today, I regularly share my breast cancer survivor journey at public events, as I took many photographs to document my treatment journey, I was also able to share them. I was determined to do my part to bring awareness that early detection can save lives.

Participation

In April, I was approached to help out with the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) 2024 campaign. I was asked to join 11 other breast cancer survivors to participate in the Walk of Resilience fashion show on stage in front of a public audience. The “Walk of resilience – the garden of flowers” event would be held on 27 September at Bugis Junction and would launch the significant month.

How exciting and what a brilliant idea! I thought, and readily agreed, but almost immediately, self-doubt crept in. I am plus-sized, what if the sponsor did not have clothes that fit me? I have no clue how to “catwalk” or pose like a model. Was it too late to back out? I sent my measurements to the organisers. In July, the founder of Esse got back to the organisers and said they had the perfect dress! There’s no backing out now.

Pink Warriors

I first met the other 11 Pink Warriors who were also participating in event when we went for the clothes fitting in August. Most of the ladies already knew each other. They were members of the NHG Breast Cancer Support Group. We were all from different backgrounds, ages, shapes and size. The positive energy from these ladies was infectious.

I was most excited that an actual beauty queen and pageant trainer, winner of the Classic Mrs. Singapore pageant, Ms. Betty Yu will be our catwalk coach! Betty too is a Pink warrior. She survived breast cancer, and she too is doing her part to bring breast cancer awareness to more people (albeit more glamorously and fashionably than the rest of us!). This was turning out to be a real professional fashion runway walk! Never in my entire life did I imagine I would be walking a runway. Betty taught us how to stand and walk properly. It was amazing, how with the proper posture, feet position and poise you look and feel instantly confident.

Over the next few weekends, Betty would gently correct our mistakes and generously praise us when we got the walk or pose right. She would bring her own accessories to help style our outfits. We all wanted to put on the best show ever, so despite some of us having walking difficulties, or still weak from ongoing treatment, everyone turned up and did their part. I have only respect and love for these ladies.

On 27 September, we did our final round of full-dress rehearsal on the Pink carpet. Weeks of hard work all culminated to this 10 min show. As each Pink Warrior walked the pink carpet, I read their personal quotes that were flashed on the screen. I wanted to tear. Nope the show must go on! I took my turn for my last practice walk.

At 3pm the hairstylists from Shunji Matsuo came to work magic on our hair, and students in make from ITE came to work their makeup artistry on us. It was literally a “make me beautiful” moment.

At 5pm, it was finally “showtime”. I lined up with the other Pink warriors at the side of the pink carpet, I took one look at everyone all glamorous with their fantastic makeover. I could not be more proud of us. Finally I walked on to the pink carpet flanked by the audience, camera flashes all around, I strutted like I never strutted before. I looked good and I felt great! Our finale pose with Ms Jane Ittogi was perfectly executed and before I knew it the show was done!

Post event with Ms Ittogi

The guest of honor Ms Jane Ittogi took the time to meet with the 12 Pink Warriors including myself, and members of the organising team from TTSH after the event. I was honored to be able to share my story and aspiration to be a public defender lawyer with her. I am glad that she is lending her influence and support to our breast cancer awareness cause.

Pink Warriors never walk alone

From fittings to the many rehearsals, with the 12 Pink Warriors, were the real heroes, working out logistics, operations, bringing us food, drinks and even ironing our dresses on the event day! Dr. Juliana Chen, Dr. Serene Tang, Sr Patmavathy, Sr Li Hui, Javier, Fadzly and many more. The Pink Warriors and I had the most memorable catwalk experience because you were there walking with us!